The “Magi” usually outdid themselves
bringing me presents for Epiphany, on 6 January. It was a dark day when my
parents informed me that a slump in the Spanish economy, and the
Proubasta-Ruiz’s in particular, wouldn’t allow for the usual munificence. I was
confused: the mighty Magi, who brought myrrh, gold, and frankincense to the
Baby Jesus, were subject to the vagaries of the stock market? Then the truth:
My parents had lied to me ... much longer, in fact, than other parents lie to
theirs. Embarrassing. Lesson learned.
When I moved to the USA I had to relearn
the traditions: Gift giving was on Christmas day. I knew about “Santa” but not
the portly US incarnation. I became acquainted with a cacophony of characters
–Mrs. Klaus (I thought Nicolas was a Catholic bishop; oh well), snowmen, the
Grinch, nutcrackers, Rudolph and fellow raindeer, and elves everywhere – all incongruously
associated with the Palestinian drama of Mary, Joseph, and their kid (¿?). Step
aside, Hindu peagantry!
Interestingly this huge and
ever-expanding cacophony is merely window dressing for what Christmas has
become: a compulsive shopper’s dream come true, and an obscene source of
revenue for China.
Family, traditions, let alone religion be
damned! Neither church nor hearth play the leading role but Walmart, Target,
strip malls, and sundry emporia of the cheap and the ordinary do. Buying presents,
seasonal ornaments, or everyday items from underwear to a refrigerator
invariably augments the Yellow Peril’s coffers and its hidden arsenal. Avoiding
a “very China Christmas” takes the time, perseverance, and conviction that most
mortals don’t have.
A solution, however, is at hand: Don’t
buy; donate to a worthy charity in honor of whoever you would have given some
trinket sure to be regifted.
My charities are non-human animal
organizations – welfare, protection, shelter or sanctuary, and very
importantly, rights. This year I “adopted” a Donkey (from Longhopes Donkey
Rescue, in Colorado) for a nephew, and four Big Cats (from Turpentine Creek
Wildlife Refuge, in Arkansas) for two relatives, a friend, and my husband.
Whatever the cause, verify that the organization has a good track record of
accomplishments, transparency, etc.
And
if you are moved by the plight of poor people abroad, do NOT choose Heifer
International. This bizarre hybrid that purports to benefit people and animals
(how the hell is that possible!) actually exploits farmed animals, deceives
donors, and cheats hungry people worldwide. It
is a ploy of agribusiness to globalize cruel, unhealthy, unsustainable food
sources. The realistic alternative is http://awfw.org
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